Tuesday, 19 September 2017

The Ordinary Edit

The Ordinary took the beauty world by storm when it launched and it's still going strong. For those who don't know, The Ordinary is a brand under the DECIEM umbrella along with NIOD and Hylamide. Their goal was to create a range of skincare products that are simple, effective and affordable. They've gradually expanded their range and they now have pretty much every product you could possibly want from Hyaluronic Acid to Vitamin C and Retinol. I've never actually done a post on them before so today I thought I would go through my collection and show you the all the products I've bought so far.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 | £5.90

This is the first product I tried from The Ordinary and I was really surprised at how basic it was. It's a thin gel formula that spreads easily on the skin and absorbs almost instantly. I use it as my serum either AM or PM and the Hyaluronic Acid works to bind moisture to the skin. The product itself isn't hydrating but when you apply it and use a nourishing cream over top, you're left with a really soft, hydrated finish. You definitely have to use this consistently to get long-term results but it is a really nice serum and it's perfect for all skin types.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | £5

This is a slightly thicker gel and it can cause rolling so it's best used in a fairly simple routine. I find this works really well at clearing congestion and helping to keep blemishes at a minimum. Most of the time I use this in the evenings but you can definitely use it in the daytime as well. It doesn't do anything for reducing sebum (which it claims to), but it is a lovely serum to use and it's a great option for those with a more combination skin.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% | £5.50

I don't tend to use Lactic Acid that much as I find things like Glycolic and Salicylic more effective but when I saw this I was still eager to give it a go. I have to start by saying that this has quite a weird, not very pleasant smell and it can be a bit off-putting when you use it. The Lactic Acid gently exfoliates the skin leaving it smooth and clear. It's also mildly hydrating which is nice as it adds a bit of slip to the skin for whatever you're going to put on top. If you're new to AHAs, this is definitely a good place to start. Don't forget to apply SPF in the day when you use this!

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil | £9

I'm very fussy when it comes to facial oils as I don't like anything too thick or greasy but this is a gorgeous formula that leaves the skin feeling really soft and nourished. It has the typical rosehip scent which I personally really like. Whenever I have scarring or am in need of a real hydration boost, I always reach for this because it just seems to fix everything.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | £6.90

I was so excited when I ordered this and even though the strength kind of scared me, I was still really excited to try it. This is an exfoliating treatment that you leave on for no more than 10 minutes and you're left with luminous, super smooth skin. I love using this when I have an occasion coming up or if my skin is looking dull and congested. My skin looks brand new after using this and I love having it in my stash for when I need a pick me up. I just want to say that this is a very strong treatment and it tingles a lot so I would only recommend it to those who are used to strong acids. Again, make sure your SPF game is strong when you use this!

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% | £8

This is the only retinoid I've ever tried and I absolutely love it. I was quite worried that I was going to experience things like redness and peeling but this is designed to reduce signs of ageing without irritating the skin. I'll use this 2-3 times a week in the evenings and I've already noticed a difference in my skin. It blurs all of the fine lines I have and my skin in general looks a lot healthier. I will definitely continue using this until I need something stronger.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution | £6.80

When this first came out I was itching to get my hands on it. This is a Glycolic based toner that I use after cleansing to exfoliate my skin. I love this stuff and I can confirm that it is very comparable to the Pixi Glow Tonic. I find this to be gentler on the skin and I feel like I can use this daily whereas the Pixi I tend to use every other day. I just pour some onto a cotton pad and sweep it across my face and neck and then follow with my serums. I definitely notice my skin looking fresher and brighter when I use this and it also gives my skin a gorgeous glow. This is one of my favourite products I've tried so far and I will definitely be repurchasing it!

Have you tried anything from The Ordinary? What are your favourite picks?